If you have diabetes, you may wonder about foot care and foot conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers. Dr. Elizabeth Hofmeister and Dr. Rebecca Hodulik at Prairie Rock Foot and Ankle Clinic in Manteno, IL, can help if you want more information about the relationship between diabetes and open sores that the body struggles to heal.

Causes of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

 Chronic hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a major contributor to diabetic foot ulcers. This condition leads to peripheral artery disease and neuropathy, or damage to the nerves. 

Because neuropathy hinders foot sensation, it can be extremely difficult for a person to recognize that they have a pressure ulcer or damage to their feet. Peripheral artery disease causes the blood flow to be impeded and reduces the body’s ability to repair wounds, which increases the risk of infection and ulcer formation.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers Risk Factors

 Diabetes-related foot ulcers have many risk factors. One is inadequate glycemic control since elevated A1C levels worsen vascular problems and neuropathy. Foot ulcers are one of the potential terrible effects of long-term diabetes on the feet. 

Additional risk variables are:

• Foot Deformities: Focused pressure is brought on by issues like hammertoes or bunions.
• Inappropriate Footwear: Blisters and sores are likely to occur while wearing either too-tight or too-loose shoes.
• Smoking: Prevents blood flow and impairs the body’s healing capacity.
• Inadequate Foot Hygiene: May raise the risk of infection.

If you are keeping your blood sugar level under check, wearing appropriate footwear, examining the foot daily, and not smoking, you are lessening your risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers. 

Infections are one of the complications of diabetes, and if not treated in time, your foot may need to be amputated. Knowing the causes and risk factors helps in the early prevention and management of the disease among diabetic patients.

Get Help

 Want to know more or make an appointment to talk with Dr. Hofmeister and Dr. Hodulik about diabetic foot ulcers in Manteno, IL? Call the Prairie Rock Foot and Ankle Clinic office at (815) 468-7117.